UMBRO X PRETTY GREEN words Hugo Fernandes - images courtesy of Umbro & Pretty Green
Pretty Green and Umbro have teamed up for their first-ever fashion collaboration this being an ode to vintage ‘90s sportswear from both a vibe and silhouette perspective. The two iconic British labels have become widely recognized for their heritage aesthetic and homage to British rock and sports respectively. The debut capsule collection is infused with a healthy dose of rock'n'roll from Pretty Green while being strongly infused with the sports element brought in by UMBRO. The collection includes drill tops, parkas, and football shirts which are drawing on the influences and heritage of both brands rooted in British culture.
For both these staple British brands, the 1990s was a time of "vibrant optimism and casual cool" and this capsule is filled with a nostalgic feeling of rendition to the rock'n'roll ages, the Three Lions on the football pitch, referring to England's football team, and Britpop in the charts, and funnily enough, music and football became intrinsically connected. Looking back you can see how the clothes that were worn on stage by Britpop artists were also seen in the terraces and fans of both, sports and music, felt like they were part of something special. This primal energy flows through the Pretty Green x Umbro collection.
One of the highlighted pieces among the capsule is the long-sleeved drill top in washed-out blue with drawstrings which was inspired by the same legendary Umbro top worn on stage by the incomparable Liam Gallagher during Oasis’ historic 40,000 capacity shows at Maine Road in 1996. The football shirt is also a massive trip to the past in a perfect throwback as it recalls Umbro’s iconic Euro 96 design for the England team. The design has been updated and elevated with an all-over Pretty Green paisley design which makes this piece more contemporary while still preserving the nostalgia and history of it.
Another great feature within the capsule collection is the zip-through track top which combines the Pretty Green paisley with rows of iconic double-diamond Umbro logos stretching down each arm. This collaboration is both fresh and effective, and although not at all complicated, it focuses on the heritage of these two household names in not only fashion but British youth culture. It takes great influence from the ‘90s while still making itself contemporary enough for today's fashion, as it looks to this whole new generation about to "take to the stage". Music and football have always been and will continue to be at the heart of British culture and this debut collaboration from Pretty Green and Umbro is the perfect way to combine the two.
The collection is NOW AVAILABLE at Pretty Green and Umbro as well as selected stores.
